Vicia is a genus of over 240 species of flowering plants that are part of the legume family (Fabaceae), and which are commonly known as vetches. Vicia species are native to Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas.
Taxonomy
Some other genera of the Vicia subfamily Faboideae also have names containing "vetch", for example the vetchlings (Lathyrus) or the milk-vetches (Astragalus). The lentils are included in genus Vicia, and were formerly classified in genus Lens. The broad bean (Vicia faba) is sometimes separated in a monotypic genus Faba; although not often used today, it is of historical importance in plant taxonomy as the namesake of the order Fabales, the Fabaceae and the Faboideae. The tribe Vicieae in which the vetches are placed is named after the genus's current name. The true peas (Pisum) are among the closest living relatives of vetches.
The many species belonging to Vicia are listed at List of Vicia species. According to Plants of the World Online, 247 species belong to the genus. The taxonomy of the genus, however, remains unresolved, which hinders the development of underutilized crop species.
Vicia means 'binder' in Latin; as a name for vetches it was used by Pliny already. The vetch is also referenced by Horace in his account of "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse" as ervum. This is said to be a source of comfort for the country mouse after a disturbing insight into urban life. In early Modern times, they are mentioned in William Shakespeare's The Tempest: "Ceres, most bounteous lady, thy rich leas / Of wheat, rye, barley, vetches, oats and pease".
Species
The many species belonging to Vicia are listed at List of Vicia species. According to Plants of the World Online, 247 species belong to the genus. The taxonomy of the genus,...
